Poker Hearing Could Determine the Future of US Poker

December 3^rd marks a big day in Poker, because it’s the day that a major hearing begins that could potentially shape the future of Poker and further delay the enforcement of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Act. Although initially the UIGEA was set to go into enforcement on December 1^st, stopping banks from processing internet gambling related transactions, this has been delayed for another 6 months creating ample time for the bills that Representative Barney Frank put before congress that could be positive for Poker! Seven months ago Barney Frank, a Massachusetts Democrat suggested two bills before congress that could really be positive for online Poker and its impending future with the UIGEA looming. The bills in question are the Reasonable Prudence in Regulation Act and the Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act of 2009. The latter, would legalize online gambling, and turn it into a more convenient and safe industry for players with more options for deposit methods and regulation for gambling organizations to become licensed in the US. With the UIGEA delayed, efforts can go towards initiating these bills, and supporters no longer need to act as urgently. However, the timing for the hearing comes at a good time when it’s already a major topic of conversation. The hearing taking place on December 3^rd at 10am will include testimony from leaders in the world of online gambling to address safety of players and other major issues that present the industry in a more positive light; albeit one that requires greater regulation in the United States. Should these bills pass, of course, the benefits aren’t simply for online gambling organizations in the US and American Poker players since regulation in the US will require online casinos and Poker rooms to pay US taxes. Recently, there has been a lot of uncertainty about the future of Poker, though there does seem to be a great deal of movement on both sides of the spectrum, which does bring players some hope that Poker in the US might be here to stay. Poker fans – we know what you’re hoping for, but do you think these bills will pass and obliterate the UIGEA or should we not hold our breath?